Medication guide
Salicylic Acid
- Generic name
- Salicylic Acid
- Common brand names
- Stridex, Oxy Daily Cleansing Pads, CeraVe SA
- Medication class
- Keratolytic beta-hydroxy acid
Overview
Its medication class is Keratolytic beta-hydroxy acid. Common uses include Acne, mild keratosis, and comedonal disorder. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Topical skin product.
- Time of day
- Apply once to twice daily; for rash/fungal products continue through full course.
- With food/water
- External use only.
- Preparation
- Apply thin layer to clean, dry skin; patch test where possible.
- Safe dose
- Small layer over affected lesions only.
- Max dose
- Do not exceed area/frequency limits on label.
- Frequency
- Usually once to twice daily.
- Other recommendations
- Stop if severe burning, swelling, or spreading redness appears.
Common uses
- Acne
- mild keratosis
- comedonal disorder
Common side effects
- Dryness
- redness
- peeling
- burning
- stinging
- irritation
- and increased sun sensitivity
Important warnings
- Can irritate inflamed skin and delay barrier healing. Avoid on open wounds, around eyes, and in extensive eczema. Use sun protection and avoid concurrent exfoliants/retinoids that escalate irritation. Seek review for severe pain, swelling, or photosensitive burns.
General interactions information
Caution with retinoids and benzoyl peroxide combinations
Sources / references
- Salicylic Acid Topical — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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